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HHUn ill I flUIIl 

01 THE 

BLACK HAND. 



4 A DRAMA 
In Four Acts and a Prologue, 



/T1 



-COPYRIGHTED BY- 



JACOB A. HARMAN, 
AUTHOR. 



Belle Plaine Resident Printinq and Publishing House. 

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TMPS2-00919C 



IlilMII IB I I1I1II1, 

OS TEE- 

BLACK HAND. 

PROLOGUE. 

Exterior of Dwelling on Robert 'Morns' Plantation. 
Table and three chairs It., set tree at back. 

Music. " Way Down on the Swanee River." 

Robert Morris discovered, seated R. of table. 

Robert Morris — A gentleman from New \orkhas 
written that he would be here to-day and look at *my 
plantation. I have been thinking of selling my Negroes 
and plantation and move to the city and send Dick to 
school. He is now ten years old and I want to educate 
Him and make a man erf him. besides T am getting old 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



and I can not get around to see to things any more, be- 
sides I am rich and there is no use for me to work any 
more. (Calh.) Sam. 

Enter Sam t. 

Sam — Yes, master. 
R. M.— Bring me a bottle of brandy. 
Sam — All right, master. 

Exit Sam L. 

R. M. — Hero I have a good home but still I must 
think of the welfare of my son. 

[Enter Sam. with brandy.] Bring me my paper. 

Sam — All right, master. [Exit at L.\ 
11, M. — I wonder where Dick is. [Enter Sam, with 
paper."] 

Sain — Master there am a carriage at the gate. 
R. M. — It is the gentleman from New York. Sam, 
show him this way. 

Sam — Yes, master. [Exit at L.] 
R. M. — Weil 1 must have Forty Though] dollars tor 
my Negroes and plant itiou. 

[Enter Sam."] 

Sam — This way gentlemen. 
R. M. — [Aside."] There must be two person*. 

Enter Bill Jackson and Silas Wilson at L. 
B. J. — Mr. Morris I presume. 

]&. M. — Yes sir. Have I the honor of meeting Mr. 
Jackson ? 

B. J. — You have. Mr, Morris allow me to intro- 
duce to you my friend, Mr. Wilson. 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



R. M. — Mr. Wilson you are welcome at Morris' plan- 
tation. 

S. W. — Thank you. Mr. Morris you have a beautiful 
plantation. Mr. Morris I admire that beautiful stream 
that flows through your plantation. I also had quite 
a talk with your Negroes, they think there is no one as 
good as you. 

R. M, — Mr. Wilson I always like to see a negro treat- 
ed right. I can get more work out of my Negroes than 
my neighbors can out of theirs. 

B. J. — Mr Morris I have been over some of your 
plantation and it is just the place I want. What is 
your price ? 

R. M. — Please be seated gentlemen. [Set down.] 
Well sir my price is Forty Thousand dollars for my plan- 
tation and Negroes. 

B. J.— Mr. Morris is that the least that will buy it? 

R. M.~ It's Jackson. [Voice off stage, I'll tell Mas- 
sa Morris.] 

R- M.— Pray excuse me gentlemen for a few mo- 
ments. [Exit at L.] 

B. J. — Well Si the crib will not be hard to crack. 

& W. — 1 don't think it will be very hard Bill, but 
look, out that you don't miss your grab. 

B. J. — Have 1 ever missed it in 12 years Si ? 

8. W. — No Bill you are a good one, mums the word. 
Here comes the old bird. 

[Enter R. M. at L.] 

R. M. — Gentlemen let us ta*e a stroll o-. er the plan- 
tation. 

B. J. — We will be glad to stroll over this beautiful 
plantation. [Exit R. M. B. J. and S. W. at #.] 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



[Enter Sam at L.~] 
Sam — Them men will bear watching they are two 
villians and I know it. 

Winter Dick Morris at L- 

D. M. — Sam won't you sing a song and play on the 
banjo ? 

Sam — I will, Massa Dick, if you will go and get the 
old banjo. 
D. M. — That I will Sam, you- are always good to me. 
[Exit at L.-] 
Sam — I would do anything for that boy, I love him. 
[Enter D. ft, at L.] 
D. M. — Now Sam sing me some good old song. 
Sam — All right Massa Dick. . [Singsong and 

plays ban jo. ~] • 

D. M. — That will do Sam I am going down to the 
pond to fish. [Exit at R. carrying fish pole and can.'] 

Sam — All right honey. (Exit at L.) (Enter 

R. M. at R.) 

R. 'M.— Well they are pleased with everything. They 
are strolling over the plantation yet. I was so tired of 
walking that I had to return. I miist rest. (ExitR.) 

(Enter' Jackson nnd Wilson <(t R.) 
B' J. — Well I. am sure to win this. time. 
S. W.-^Don't be too sure, Bill, .-, 
B. J.— Don't be a fool Si, I have never lost a game 
that I undertook. How many times have the officers 
had Bill Jackson and he escaped. Si, as Jong you 
have known me you did not know that I was the pos- 
sessor of the Black Hand. Look ! (Shows Black Hand 
on arm. ) Can you tell how many Thousand dollars 
that there is offered for the arrest of the Black Hand? 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 3 



S. W. — No Bill, there is more than I want. 
B. J. — What Si, are you turning traitor? 
g. W.— No Kill. I will stand by you till I die. Here 
comes the old man. Now is the time to strike. 

(Enter R. M. at L.) 

B. J. — Here Mr. Morris sign this paper. 

R. M.— What is it ? 

B. J. — It is the contract that you are to sell me all 
your Negroes and plantation for forty thousand dol- 
lars. (R. M. signs.) Now Mr. Wilson please witness this 
contract. (S. W. signs.) Now Mr. Morris I will read 
this for you. (Reads.) I Robert Morris of .New Or- 
leans being of sound mind will to William Jackson all 
my negroes, money and plantation. In testimony where 
of I hereunto set my hand this 28 day of September in 
the year of our Lord 1859. Signed Robert Morris. 
Signed in the presence of me Silas Wilson. 

R. M — (Rising.) This is swindling! 

B. J. — It is too late now Mr. Morris. Grood bye sir. 
Come Si. (Exit B. J. and S. W. at L.) 

R. M. — (Shakes fist.) You scoundrels it will be all 
fixed. I will go at once and get a will made to Dick be- 
fore it is to late, they mean treachery. (Exit at L.) 
Sam — (Enter Sam.) Old Master told me that he 
was going too sell us nigers and the old plan- 
tation. It will brake my heart to part with Master and 
Massa Dick. I will go and tell the old woman. (Exit 
L. and re-enters.) Here comes old Massa, I will hide and 
see what is the matter w T ith him. (Hides.) 

Enter R. M. at R, . 



BATTLING FOR A EORTUNJE. 



R. M. — Here is my true will. [Holds up paper.] It 
gives everything- that I have to Dick. Now Bill Jack- 
son your game is blocked. [Picks up box from table. - ] I 
will place this Will in the secret part of this box and 
tell Dick, where to find it. [Places it in secret port of 
box.] I am very tired and I will retire. I wish Dick. 
was here. [Exit L. Sam. appears from hiding place.] 
S a m. — I will run and get Massa Dick. [Exit R.] 

Stage becomes dark, slow music, enter B. J. and. 

S. W. at R. 

B. J. —All is quiet, now Si stand here, I will go 

around to the back window, enter the house and open 

this, door, then you get the box of deeds and sack of 

gold, and I will find the rest. He must die to-night! 

[Evit at L.] 
S. W. — This will end this job and I will get ten 
thousand dollars, then 1 can lead a respectable life. 

[Enter B. J. through D.] 
B. J.-^-Now to our work. 

[Exit B. J. (did S. W. through door. Re-en- 
ter S. W. with box and bag. Tiro pistol 
shots heard off stage. Enter B. J. limping 
as if shot.] 
B. J — I am shot Si. Let us leave here, I have fin- 
ished him. [Exit B. J leaning on S. W. Enters R, M. 
with hand to forehead, drops in front part 
of stage.] 
R. M. — Oh my son! [Enter Sam. and Dick, at R.] 
D. M.— I am here father. (Sam. raises R. M.'.s- head 

on his knee.) 
R. M. — Dick, I am dying. Bill Jackson is my mur_ 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



derer. You will know him by a Black Hand on his 

right wrist. You will find my Will in the (Dies.) 

[ Dick, faces the audience, places his lef\ 
hand on forehead and right hand towards 
Heaven and exclaims — 
D. M. — ye Heavens hear my oath, I shall avenge 
my father's death! 

CURTAIN DROPS. 



Fifteen years is supposed to have elapse between the 
Prologue and First Act. 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



ACT I. 

Scene I — A parlor in George Mercer's dwelling. Geo. 
Mercer discovered seated at table as curtain rises. 

Geo. Mercer. — I will look over my mail. Hello! 
here is a letter from Frank, now I will know when he is 
coming home. [Opens and reads.'] [Calls] Lillie. 
Enters Lillie. 

L. M.— Yes father! 

G. M. — I have just received a letter from Frank. He 
says he is going to bring a young gentleman friend of 
his home with him, and he hopes that we will welcome 
him to our home. 

L. M. — Father we always welcome Frank's friends; 
but what is his name? 

G. M, — Harry Osborne, I believe. 

L. M, — [Aside.] Harry Osbmfne, I like the name 
I wonder if I will like the person the same? [Aloud.] 
When are they coming, Father? 

G. M.— To-day. 

L. M. — Then I will go and get everything in ready- 
ness. [Exit C] 

(Enter Frank Mercer and Harry Osborne at R.) 

Frank Mercer. — Good morning father, I never saw 
you looking better in my life. Father, this is Mr. Os- 
borne, my young friend. (H. and G. M, shake hands.) 

G. M. — You are welcome to our home, Mr. Osborne. 

H. 0, — Thanks,^ Mr. Mercer, T think T c#n enjoy 



BATTLING FOB A FORTUNE. 9" 

myself here. 

F. M. — Father, where isLillie? 

G\ M. — She is getting everything in readiness for 
yom reception. We did not expect you so soon. 

F. M. — Be seated Harry. (H. 0. aits dovm.) I will 
go and find Lillie. (K.n't C.) 

H. 0. — This is a tine house you have. Mr. Mercer. 

G. M. — Yes indeed, and a happy one too. Mr. Os- 
borne. L am happy with my two children. 

inters Frank and Lillie. 

F. M.— This is my sister, Mr. Osborne. 

H. 0. — Miss Mercer, I am happy to form your ac_ 
<juaintance, and I think I can spend many happy hours 
here in your beautiful home. 

L. M. — And we will try to make you happy Mr 
Osborne. 

F. M. — Come, Harry, let us have a pleasant ganie of 
cards. 

H. O.— Willingly. 

F. M. — Come sister, won't you help us? 

L. M.— Certainly. (Exit F. aad L. at C.) 

H. 0. — Mr. Mercer whose picture is this? 

G. M. — My sister-in-law's. 

H. 0. — W T hat was her name? 

Gr. M. — She was the wife of Robert i¥orris. 

H. 0. — Aside.) What, my mother? Then thank Gk>d 
I have found a friend. Aloud. Mr. Mercer, I am not 
Harry Osborne. 

Gr. M. — Then who are you? 

H. 0. — Dick J/orris. 

Gr. M. — What? If this is true you shall be welcome 



10 BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



to my house. 

H. 0. — Thank you Uncle, but I must not be known 
outside of this familv other than Harry Osborne, for I 
am hunting my father's murderer. 

G. M. — It shall be as you wish. 

F. M. — Outside. Come Harry. 

H. 0.- — I must go out with my cousins as you know 
me now. "Exit at C. 

G. M.-t—I might have known him, he looks like his 



10th 



mot tier. 



Enters P. H. and D. J. 



P. H — I hope to find you well Mr. Mercer. 

G. M. — Quite well, thank you. Never was in bet- 
ter health in my life. 

P. H. — I am glad to hear that. Mr. Mercer allow 
me to introduce you to my friend Mr. Johnson, 

G. M. — Mr. Johnson I am happy to form your ac- 
quaintance and also welcomeyou to Mercer Hall. 

D. J.— 1 am happy to form your acquaintance and 
also thank you for welcoming me to Mercer Hall. 

G. M. — Pray be seated gentlemen. 

P. H. — Mr. Mercer I have called to see what you 
will give me for a good plantation. 

H. 0. mdF. M. appear at C. D. 

G. M. — Where is your plantation? 

P. H. — It is near l\ew Orleans. 

G. M. — Whose plantation was it? 

P. H. — I bought it from Robert Morris. 

G. M.— What, my wife's brother? 

H. 0. — Yes, and my father. Excuse me gentlemen , 



BATTLING FOR A EORTUNE. 11 



but sir, what is your name? 

P. H. — Percy Hamilton, and yours? 

H. 0. — -I am called Harry Osborne, but my real 
name is Dick Morris and yours is Bill Jackson, to prove 
it, there. \_Exposes Black Hand.~\ 

P. H. — Let loose or I'll — [Jerks loose.] 

H. 0. — Hold on or you're a dead man! 

(Draws revolver.) 

DISPOSITION OF CHARACTER AT THE FALL OF THE 
CURTAIN. 

D. J. 'first R. P. H. first C. D. M. first R. F. M. 
second C. Gr. M. second R. L. M. third C. 



END OF ACT FIRST. 



12 BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



ACT 1 I. 

Scene I. — Street. 

Enter Sam. at L. 

Sam. — 1 wonder where Massa Dick is. I have not 
seen him for fifteen years. Oh, if 1 could only get hold 
of that box I would place it where Massa Dick could 
find it. Jackson nearly lulls me sometimes. Oh well. 
I could leave him any time, hut I will not leave him 
till I get hold of that will. 

K/iter Dick, blacked up, slaps Sam. on tin 
shoulder. 
D. M. — Hello, Sam, fine day! 

S am . — Who de debil am you? I don't know you, 
neber saw you afore. Where you come from any how? 
D. M. — Well Sam, as you do not know me 1 will 
tell you a story and then you may know me. Fifteen 
years ago there was a rich planter who lived close to 
New Orleans. He had a son about ten years old. One 
night while this son was a fishing, an old servant came 
for him and on their return, the son found his father 
dying. The father told the son who had shot him, and 
started to tell where the will was, but he died before he 
had finished telling, The son swore to avenge his fath- 
er's death. . 

S a m. — [Excited.~\ Massa Dick! 

D. M. — Yes Sam, I am Dick Morris. You may 
help me a great deal yet before 1 am through with my 
revenge. My heart seeks for vengence. Ah! Bill Jack- 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 13 

son, my father's avenger is on your track. Well 8am, 
what are you doing for a living now? 

Sam 1 am .staying at Bill Jackson's saloon. 

D. M. — How does he treat you? 

8 a m. — He treats me like a dog, Massa Dick. 

D. M. — Why don't you leave him? 

S am. — Because I am' trying to get a hold of your 
father's will. 

I). M. — 8o you have been helping me? 

8 a m. — Yes, and I shall always help you when 1 
can. 

D. M. — Where is Jackson's saloon? 

8 a m.-s— It is number 13 east Alabama street. 

D. M. — I shall be there before long, Sam. Are you 
going to the picnic? 

S am. — Yes, Massa Dick, I will be there. 

D. M. — You must uot know me Sam, I am to be a 
total stranger to you. 

8 a m. — All right Massa Dick. I must go, for Jack- 
son sent me in a hurry. Good bye, Massa Dick. 

[Exit R] 

D. M. — -Good bye Sam. Bill Jackson you will not 
know me in this disguise. Now to avenge my father's 
death. {Exit R] 

END OF SCENE I, ACT 1 I. 



14 BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



ACT I I, SCENE I I. 

Ohangtd to wood scene. — Party seated around stage, 
laughing, as scene changes- 

Lillie Mercer. — Now Sam sing us a good song. 

Sam. — All right Miss Lillie. [>Sings.~\ 

Bill. Jackson. — Sam you are a good singer. 

L. M. — That he is. Now Jeff this is your turn. 

D. M. — Well then. Why is an infant child like a 
field of wheat? 

A 1 1. — Give it np. 

D. M. — Because da has to be cradled and thresh 
ed before they are fit for family use. [All laugh.'] 

L. M. — Now give us a song. 

D. M. — All right. [JSings: Roll out heave dat cotton. 

B. J. — That was a nice song. 

S. W. — [Crying over to Jackson.] This is a fine 
day, Bill. 

B. J — Yes it is a fine day Si. I will have my an- 
swer to-night, and it she refuses to be my wife, 1 shall 
kill her. I shall not be baffled by her and Dick Morris. 

S. W. — Look out for Dick Morris. 

B. J. — I shall watch for him and if he crosses my 
path I shall put the point of this knife in his heart. I 
have not failed on a victim yet. 

D. M. — (Aside.) But you shall fail this time, God 
leads the righteous through all harm. 

[Thundering heard off stage.] 

B, J. — There is a big storm coming up. 

L. M. — We had better all go home. See it is going 
to be a heavv storm. 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 15 



[ Exit all at L., except B. J. and L. M. — 

Thundering heard, off stage.'] 

B. J. — Dear Lillie you promised to give me an an- 
swer to-day. 

L. M. — And you shall have your answer, I cannot 
be your wife. 

B. J — [Excited.-] And why? 

L. M. — Because I am to be the wife of Richard 
Morris. 

B. J. — Never! [Advances toward her with drawn 
knife.] L will kill you first. 

[Enter D. M. at L. rushes forward and 
flings B. J. to the floor. 

D. M. — Not this time Bill Jackson. 

B. J. — Who are you? 

D. M. — I am Dick Morris. [Jackson starts to rise, 
Dick draws revolver.] Hold on Bill Jackson! 



CURTAIiN DROPS. 

END OF ACT SECOND. 



16 BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 

ACT I I I. 

SCENE I. — Jackson's saloon. — As curtain rises Jack- 
son and Wilson discovered seated at front table. — Four 
card players at back table. 

B. J. — The only one there is to fear is Dick Morris, 
and he must be disposed of at all hazards. Si. we must 
work our cards together. 

S. W. — Bill, I will be the last man to throw up un- 
hands in a close game with vou for a partner. We have 
been balked in some of our games, but we will win in 
the end. 

B. J. — Well, we must work our cards right to-night. 
You must have a carraige at old Mercer's gate at 10 
o'clock sharp, and I will have the gill there. 

S. W. — Be sure you do not get baffled. 

B. J. — Did you eve* know Bill. Jackson to get 
beat at his own game? 

Old Man.— [At bach table.'] The pot's mine! 

A 1 1. — Show your hand! 

[Enter Dick Morris in disguise.] 

(). M. — [Showing hand.] Four aces. 

[Rakes in pot.] 

D. M. — Drinks for the house. 

B. J. — Stranger what is your name? 

D. M.— George Van Winkle. 

O. M. — You must be a son of old Rip. 

D. M. — No sir, I am a son of David Van Winkle. 

0. M. — A son of the rich old planter. 

D. M.— Yes sir. 



BATTLII?0 FOR A FORTUNE. 17 



B J. — Here is luck to Van Winkle. (All drink, 
but Dick.) 

A 1 1. — Good luck to him. 

0. M. — Come boy?, I have been lucky to-night, we 
will go and take in the sights. 

A 1 1. — That we will. (Exit four card players.) 

B. J. — Let me see that whip, I never had one in 
my hands. 

D. M. — All right, sir. 

8. W. — You have not been around town much? 

D. M. — No sir, I seldom come to town. 

(S. W. goes closer to Dick.) 

S. W. — Stranger. (Jerks off wig.) you are Dick 
Morris. 

D. M. — Yes I am Dick Morris. 

B. J. — Take that. (Hits Dick over the head with 
butt of whip, then moves table and opens trap.) Here Si. 
drop him in the trap. (Si drops Dick through trap and 
"loses it.) Now our game is sure, he will never escape 
from death in there. Now let us strike while the iron 
is hot, now for the girl. (Exit B. J. and S. W.) 

S a m. — (Coming from behind bar.) Oh, you devils, 
if you have killed Massa Dick I will kill you. (Raises 
trap.) Massa Dick. Massa Dick, old Sam is here to 
help you. 

D. M. — Give me your hand Sam. 

Sam. — Here it is Massa Dick. (Helps Dick out.) 

D. M. — Thank you Sam. you have helped me escape 
from a dreadful death. 

S am. — That is all right Massa Dick. 

D. M. — Now Sam, work your cards right and \v< 



18 BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



Act ill. Scene III. 
Room in Mercer's Mansion. — Parlor at dusk. 
Enter Bill Jackson. 
B. J. — All is still, that is her room. [Points to R.] 
Hello, some one is coming, I must hide. [Hides. 

I&nter Geo. and Frank Mercer and set down at table. 

G. M. — I wonder whore Dick is, 1 have not seen 
him for t\vo du\ s. 

V. M. — Rest assured father, he is safe. 

B. J. — [Aside.] You are right he is safe, you will 
never see him alive again. 

<i. M.— I fear nil is not right. 

F. M. — J know he has a villian to contenJ with, but 
never fear for him, he is a man of the world, it will take 
more than Bill .Jackson and his gang to down Dick. 

Cr, M. — 1 wish that affair was settled. Lillie is not 
happy, she is afraid that Dick will get killed 

F. M. — She need not fear, but still if Dick should 
get killed I believe it would kill hor. She loves him 
dearer than her own life. Dick is a man every inch of 
him. 

(}. M. — That he is. He is worthy of a Queen for a 
wife. 

F. M. — That he is. Father, you are tired and need 
rest, let us retire for the night, and if Dick does not 
return to-night I will search for him to-morrow. [Exit.] 

B. J. — So she is going to be the wife of Dick Mor- 
ris, is she? Curse him, I will see about that. Before to- 
morrow night she will be the wife of Bill Jackson. You 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 19 



will get the box, will and deeds, but the gold is gone. 
Thank the Lord they do not know that there is a secret 
part to the box. I must be going, I have more work to 
do yet before I am through with you Bill Jackson, 
when that is accomplished, then Lillie Mercer we will 
be happy, but until my father's death is avenged, we 
cannot get married. Now Sain, good night. 

8 a m — Good night Massa Dick, mav de Lord bless 
you. 

ACT 1 I I. SCENE I I. STREET. 

{Enter Bill Jackson. 

B. J. — Confound Si, he is always late. I have been 
watching the house. All is fair in war. I have found 
her room and it will be easy to gain admittance to the 
house. I guess I did not leave to big a dose in the 
room, she can't sleep to sound. Hello, here comes Si 
at last! {Enter Si.] Why are you so late? 

S. W. — I had some trouble about getting a carriage. 
Is everything ready? 

B. J.— Yes. Now to our work. {Exit B. J. S. W.] 
Enter Dick Morris. 

D. M. — Ah, Bill Jackson, I know your game. You 
can't hold out with me. I hold two faithful friends 
(Draws two revolvers.) that will stay by me. You will 
Jind this a hard hand to beat. (Exit Dick.) 

Enter Sam singing. 

Sam. — Golly wouldn't I catch it if that there Jack- 
son knowed that 1 helped Massa Dick to escape he 
would kill me, but I a'int going to tell him. 

[Goes off singing 



20, BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 

George Mercer will yet claim me for a son, and you 
Frank Mercer will never see Dick Morris again for he 
is dead, and you don't want to work against me, for Bill 
Jackson always wins. Now to my work. {Exit B. J. 
at R., — Music. — Re-enters carrying Lillie. — Lays her on 
lounge. — Gets shawl and wraps around her, and, goes to 
pick her up. — winter Dick Morris,] Now the game is 
mine. 

I). M. — Not much ! [Bill rushes forward, knocks 
Dick's revolver up. Revolvers fired off at same time. 
Bill hits Dick over the head with billy,] 

B. J . -Ha! Ha! you need not try to balk me! 

CURTAIN DROPS. 

EN1> OF ACT THIRD. 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 21 



ACT I V. 

Scene I. — Bill Jackson's saloon. — B. J. and S. W. 
seated at table as curtain rises. 

B. J. — Si you can bring Ross here to-night, he will 
marry us. Money is all he wants. He don't care how 
he makes it. 

S. W. — Suppose she refuses to marry you Bill? 

B. J — If she is not a willing bride, then she shall 
be an unwilling one. 

S. W. — Bill have you read the morning paper? 

B. J. — No Si, is it interesting? 

S. W. — Yes, it gives the account of the death of 
Dick Morris. 

B. J. — How does it read? 

S. W. — Here it is, read it yourself. [Hands paper.] 

B, J. — [Aloud.'] This morning Richard Morris was 
found dead in his uncles parlor. A verdict was rend- 
ered: Died of heart disease. It appears as though the 
disease runs in the family on his mother's side, Well. 
that is a good verdict, we are all right now. 

S. W. — I think we are, but what are you going tc 
do if you get married, you cannot go to old Mercer's? 

B. J. — Ah! that is what I will do. When she i> 
my wife, why she will become reconciled and she wil 
help me to make friends with her father and brother 
That done then the old man will die of the heart d 
sease and her brother will go the same way, then 1 wil 
be satisfied? Then I will lead an honest life and be hap 
py with Lillie, my wife. You can live with us then, Si 

S. W.— -J cannot think of leaving von. 



22 BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



B. J. — Lock the door and bring the girl here. 

S. W. — All right Bill. [Locks door and brings 
out Lillie.] 

B. J — Bill. Jackson has never lost a game yet, so 
Dick Morris you are out of my way. [Turn to Lillie."] 
How are you this morning, my pretty lass? 

L. M. — Sir, why was I brought here? 

B. J. — Si you can leave now till I call you. [Exit Si] 
1 have had you brought here to ask you to become my 
wife. 

L. M. — Wretch, do you think I would marry my 
uncle's murderer ! [Bill shrinks back.'] Ah ! well you 
may shrink back, you wicked wretch. 1 would die be- 
lt-) e I would be your wife. Do you think you can face 
the Lord with all youi sins? 

B. J. — Go it my pretty lamb. 

L. M. — I am through now. When I marry it will be 
Dick Morris, not you. 

B. J. — You will never be the wife cf Dick Morris, 
you shall be my wife. 

L. M. — Wretch, never ! 

B. J. — Bead this (Hands Lillie paper. ) and mayb e 
you will change your mind. 

L. M. — (Reads.) My God ! (Faints and drops in 
Jackson's arms. 

B. J. — Here Si, (Enters Si.) take her to her room. 

Si takes her off stage. We will see if she don't marry 

me. She will be my wife this very night. [Enter Si. 

Unlock the door, Si. [Si unlocks door, enter Dick in dis" 

guised as a peddlar.] Stranger what do you want here? 

D. M. — Oh. mein frient I vos solt you some dings 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 23 

vot vos nice. I vos hav lots of nice dings vot I vos solt 
sheap as never vos solt in dis town. I vos hav some 
nice — \_Fire bells ringing.] 

B. J. — There is a fire some where in this vicinity. 

[Exit B. J and S. W. 

D. M. — So here I am again, not dead but alive. 
That must be the room where Lillie is in, but where is 
the key to the door. (LooJcs around.) Ah, he has left 
it on the table, now all that is safe except the will, 1 
will look after that in the future. (Unlocks door.) 
Young lady come out and give an acoount of yourself. 
Enters Lillie. 

L.. M. — Who are you? 

D. M. — I am Dick Morris. 

L. M.— What, the dead? 

D. M. — No, but the living. It will take a better 
man than Bill Jackson or Si Wilson to kill me. He 
must have shown you that piece I had put in the paper 
to throw him of off his guard. 

L. M. — Thank heaven that you are safe Dick. 

D, M. — We must leave hear at once. Hark ! there is 
some one coming, you must try to escape from me and 
trust the rest to me. (Enters B. J. and S. W.) Holt on 
you vos not get avay from me. You see mein friend 
she vos try und got avay. 

B. J. — Thank you sir. Here Si, put her in her 
room. (Si olteys.) Here sir is five dollars for your trouble. 

D. M. — Dank you mein frierife, dank you, if you 
vant any help yust call me. 

B J. — All right sir. Here Si get the box with the 
paper. (Exit Si at R.) Now all is safe I can look ov< r 



24 BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 



them without fear of Dick Morris, he is dead and out 
of my way. (Enters Si with box.) 

S. W. — Here they are all safe and sound. 

Si hands B. J. box. — B. J. takes out pap- 
ers and hands box back to S. W. 
B. J. — Here Si break this box, 1 have no further 
use for it. (Si places box on floor and raises foot to 
smash it.) 
D. Mi — Holt on my frient, guv dot to me for a 
money box. 

g. W.— [Si stops.] Must I Bill? 
B.J. — Yes, give it to him, it may do him some good. 
g, W.— (Hands to Dick.) Here take it. 
D , M . — Dan k y ou. ( Slips finger in secret part of box. ) 
Mein Grott in Hiemnel, dis vas a mouse drap ! 

[B. J. rushes forward. 
B. J. — Let me sec 1 

[Dick slips his finger out and a paper falls 
to the floor, B. J. grabs at it.] 
D. M. — Hants off, dot is mine ! 
B. J. — Give that to me. 

D. M. — You vos give it do me und I vas keeps 
it. [Opens and reads.'] Last will: I, Robert Morris, 
being of sound mind, will to my son, Richard Morris, all 
my money. Negroes and plantation. This is my true 
will, but the one I made William Jackson is not a true 
will. Signed: Robert Morris. 

Signed in the presence of us, this 29th. 
day of September, 1859. 
Witnesses: Moses Whiting and Win. Johnson. 
B. J. — Give that to me. 



BATTLING FOR A FORTUNE. 25 



D. M.— Never! 

B. J.— Who are you? 

D. M. — ^Pulh off disguise.'] I am Dick Morris. 

B. J. — [Draws knife and starts towards Dick.] 
Then die ! 

D. M. — (With pistol in hand.) Not with as good a 
hand as this. (Fires B. J. drojis dead in front of stage.) 
Victory at last for Battling for a Fortune against the 
Black Hand. 

Curtain rises at back. — Tableau of Dick's 
Father in Heaven. 

R. M. — My death is avenged. 



CURTAIiN DROPS. 



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